Last fall, Apple introduced a new feature called Digital ID in its Wallet app. This allows users to use their digital ID for age verification in various situations.
Apple Wallet has supported IDs and driver’s licenses for a while, but U.S. states have been slow to adopt this. To tackle that, Apple launched Digital ID, which allows any iPhone user to create a secure ID using their U.S. passport.
Initially, this feature was accepted at TSA security checkpoints in over 250 airports for domestic travel. Apple has promised that more use cases will follow, enabling users to present their Digital ID for identity checks at various businesses and organizations.
Recently, Digital ID can be used for verifying age when creating an Apple Account or accessing Apple services. This change comes at a time when age verification is a hot topic in the U.S. and abroad. For example, legislation like the UK’s Online Safety Act and ongoing discussions about platforms like Discord highlight the urgency for reliable age verification.
According to a recent Apple support document, users may need to confirm their age during various actions, like creating a new Apple Account, updating software, or trying to download age-restricted apps. Approved methods for this verification include a government-issued ID or credit card. Notably, a Digital ID made from a U.S. passport is now accepted.
This change means users can avoid sharing sensitive information by opting for their secure Digital ID. While not many users may have this feature yet—especially in the U.S., where the rollout has just begun—it’s likely to grow in use as the demand for reliable age verification increases.
Interestingly, online conversations around digital IDs show enthusiasm and cautious optimism. Many users appreciate the idea of a convenient, secure way to carry their identification but are also concerned about privacy and data security.
In practical terms, as digital IDs gain traction globally, the trend may reshape how we interact with services that require age verification. For now, have you tried using your Apple Wallet’s Digital ID? Share your experiences!
For more on this technology, you can check Apple’s official announcement here.
